Heliophysics - Space Weather Topics
Solar Ups and Downs
2000 — April 6, 2011
The Sun appeared nearly featureless this weekend as the total sunspot area dropped ten times below its average value. It's all part of the normal "ups and downs" of the sunspot cycle, say scientists. Despite the low sunspot number in early May, the solar maximum is still on the way.
Watching the Angry Sun
2000 — April 6, 2011
As the Sun's stormy season approaches its zenith, scientists are using the largest coordinated fleet of spacecraft and ground observatories ever assembled to observe outbursts of solar radiation.
Sunspot Numerology
2000 — April 6, 2011
The Boulder sunspot number exceeded 300 this week as the sunspot cycle continued its march toward Solar Max. Do these high sunspot counts mean that the solar maximum will be bigger than expected?
Solar Cycle Update
2000 — April 6, 2011
Nearly 400 years after they were first sighted by Galileo through a telescope, sunspots continue to perplex scientists.
Solar Cinema
2000 — April 6, 2011
The Solar -Heliospheric Observatory recorded a beautiful solar prominence on January 18.
Dixieland Auroras
2003 — April 6, 2011
On Nov. 20, 2003, a modest solar explosion sparked auroras in some unusual places.
Solar Spitwads
2003 — April 6, 2011
Using data from the Ulysses spacecraft, researchers have discovered that high-energy particles from the Sun sometimes go in unexpected directions.
Cracks in Earth's Magnetic Shield
2003 — April 6, 2011
California-sized cracks in our planet's magnetic field can remain open for hours, allowing the solar wind to gush through and power stormy space weather.
A Star with Two North Poles
2003 — Sept. 20, 2011
Using a supercomputer and data from NASA's Ulysses spacecraft, scientists are beginning to understand a curious event two years ago when the Sun sprouted two north poles.
The Sun Goes Haywire
2003 — April 6, 2011
Solar maximum is years past, yet the sun has been remarkably active lately. Is the sunspot cycle broken?